Staff Picks
DavidThe Toll
Cherie Priest
Take a road trip into a Southern gothic horror novel. Titus and Melanie Bell are on their honeymoon and have reservations in the Okefenokee Swamp cabins for a canoeing trip. But shortly before they reach their destination, the road narrows into a rickety bridge with old stone pilings, with room for only one car. Much later, Titus wakes up lying in the middle of the road, no bridge in sight. Melanie is missing. When he calls the police, they tell him there is no such bridge on Route 177.
David Says: An atmospheric and spooky read with an exciting cast of characters. A good balance of horror and humor helps to make this a deeply engaging read.
David's Staff Picks
ElizabethAll Systems Red
Martha Wells
In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety. On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied 'droid - a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as "Murderbot." Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is. But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.
Elizabeth Says: Delightful might seem like a strange way to describe a series titled "The Muderbot Diaries" but this series is delightful. The books are short and just really fun to read. Highly recommended for the Read More category "Book with Nonhuman Characters".
Elizabeth's Staff Picks
HannahUnconquerable Sun
Kate Elliott
Growing up in the shadow of her mother, Eirene, has been no easy task. The legendary queen-marshal did what everyone thought impossible: expel the invaders and build Chaonia into a magnificent republic, one to be respected and feared. But the cutthroat ambassador corps and conniving noble houses have never ceased to scheme and they have plans that need Sun to be removed as heir, or better yet, dead. To survive, the princess must rely on her wits and companions: her biggest rival, her secret lover, and a dangerous prisoner of war.
Hannah Says: It's a SFF adventure novel best described as gender-bent Alexander the Great in space! It's an action-packed space opera combined with court intrigue.
Hannah's Staff Picks
KristinaThe Only Good Indians
Stephen Graham Jones
The Only Good Indians follows four American Indian men after a disturbing event from their youth puts them in a desperate struggle for their lives. Tracked by an entity bent on revenge, these childhood friends are helpless as the culture and traditions they left behind catch up to them in a violent, vengeful way.
Kristina Says: This inventive story introduced me to Native American traditions and cultures via an original, remarkable perspective. Intimate, devastating, brutal, terrifying, yet warm and heartbreaking, Stephen Graham Jones has written a horror novel about injustice and, ultimately, about hope. This is the new benchmark for slasher/revenge stories.
Kristina's Staff Picks
MeganSomething In The Water
Catherine Steadman
Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events.
Megan Says: I love psychological thrillers, and this one is heavy on foreboding twists and turns that will have you guessing until the bitter end.....which is where the story begins, with the digging of a grave.
Megan's Staff Picks
NinaThe Captive
Grace Burrowes
Captured and tortured by the French, Christian Severn, Duke of Mercia, survives by vowing to take revenge on his tormentors. Before the duke can pursue his version of justice, Gillian, Countess of Greendale, reminds him that his small daughter has suffered much in his absence, and needs her papa desperately. Gilly endured her difficult marriage by avoiding confrontation and keeping peace at any cost. Christian's devotion to his daughter and his kindness toward Gilly give her hope that she could enjoy a future with him, for surely he of all men shares her loathing for violence in any form. Little does Gilly know, the battle for Christian's heart is only beginning.
Nina Says: An amazing, meaty, intelligent blend of romance and historical fiction. If you love the former, read this book. If you love the latter, read this book. I repeat, if you love historical fiction and would never pick up a book with this kind of cover with what you think is sappy romance – because this is anything but sappy – read this book. You’ll be glad you did. And after you read this book, you’ll be doubly glad it’s the first in a series.
Nina's Staff Picks